November sales tax revenue for apparel was up nearly 11 percent in Boulder compared to the same month in 2008, marking the first increase in more than a year.

Local and national retail experts aren't sure why sales shot up amid the recession, but suspect consumers may have delayed their spending to take advantage of Black Friday discounts.

"It would be safe to assume that more than 30 percent of people begin their shopping in the month of November," said Kathy Grannis, a National Retail Federation spokeswoman.

After months of significant declines, sales tax revenue tied to apparel jumped from $206,677 in November 2008 to $229,219 in November 2009.

It was a bright spot in the city of Boulder's finance report for November, which marked the 19th consecutive month of overall declining sales tax revenue. During November, sales tax revenue fell 9.8 percent, the largest monthly decline in more than six years.

Apparel stores otherwise struggled throughout 2009, posting double-digit declines in some months. Boulder Finance Director Bob Eichem said the statistics show a lack of consumer confidence.

"Sales tax is so dependent on consumer spending -- 70 percent of the gross domestic product comes from the consumer," he said. "If the consumer is worried, discretionary spending is not going to happen, especially if they don't have jobs."

Boulder has seen the effects of the economic downturn with the recent closings of Elena Ciccone and the 60-year-long run of Kinsley & Company.

Many Boulder business owners have tried new methods to bring in business.

Kathy King, owner of Barbara & Company on the Pearl Street Mall, said revenue for her store increased in November. This is possibly due to additional advertising for its trunk show and the shop's participation in a benefit fashion show for the Boulder Community Hospital, she said.

"I'm hoping we've seen the worst of the economic downturn. I think this spring will be better," said King.

Other shops continue to struggle.

Debra Mazur, owner of Common Era apparel store on the Pearl Street Mall, said despite many attempts at attracting customers' attention, she has not seen an increase in sales.

"I would have gone out of business if I didn't have my Denver store to support the Boulder store," Mazur said. "You always hear about the stores that close, but never about the struggle. I think if more people knew about it, they would think of keeping their dollars inside the community, where they're needed."